Question of the Week

Lisa Weiss

East Setauket, New York

I'm heartbroken to hear about Dougie. He was a few years older than me, but we kind of grew up together. I first met him when he was working for Bob and Jane ... I was working for Bobby Stebbins ... we'd pal around sometimes.

Whenever you ran into him, you could count on that smile and probably a bear hug and a joke!

Like his dad, a true dog man.

He'll be missed so ...

Rhoda Springer

Faber, Virginia

When I first started out in dog showing in the ’90s, I had the good fortune to live not far from where Dougie and Rita had their kennel. In those days, Dougie would have eight-week handling clinics in the summer, so I signed up. I think I learned the most my second time through when, about three weeks in, just through happenstance, I was without a Ridgeback to show. When I told Dougie this, he said, "Don't worry. I've got some dogs you can work with.” So for the next weeks I would show up and out of Dougie's kennel would come one of his Kerry Blues and I got lessons in how to show them — different than the Ridgebacks for sure, and very enlightening.

Since he was local and went on to get his judge's license, I would see him out and about in his natural environment — dog shows — here and there. I started breeding and would take either my girl in season or my stud dog to Dougie and Rita's for a week or so to bring some peace at home. When I went to pick up my semi-retired special one time, Doug brought him out and said, "This is a really nice dog. Rita and I would just stand outside his run and watch him."  At that moment, Rita came in and looked at me and said in her usual brusque manner, "He's yours? He can come back anytime." The highest of praise!

Later that year, Dougie was the substitute handling instructor for the Wilmington Kennel Club classes (he was a member of that club), and when I informed him that the dog he had admired won the national specialty that year with me at the helm, his eyes teared up, he hugged me and congratulated me.

There are other memories, of course, but over the time since I heard of his passing, this is the one that keeps coming back to me: that of a mentor showing true joy in the success of his student.

Rest in peace, Dougie.  You will be missed.

Ernie and Tuni Conti

Oxford, Connecticut

Doug was a dear friend to us both and a mentor to Ernie.

We will miss his guidance, wicked sense of humor, friendship and storytelling. 

Rest easy, Dougie.

Elizabeth Denning

Somerset, Massachusetts

Eons ago, I took a handling clinic from Dougie in the 1990s, which was great. After that, I would run into him at shows sometimes, and as I was the only Borzoi lady who wore a hat, I was easy to remember.

I took lessons from Johnny Paluga for years (this is also in the 1990s), and I was entered at Westminster and asked Johnny if he wanted to come. He said yes, so we piled into the van and off we went.

As we got out of the van, I saw Dougie, and said hello to him. Just then Johnny exited, and Dougie took one look at him and yelled, "Oh, look! You've brought the only man I ever slept with!" He was referring to the time he and Johnny shared a room, but it did not sound like that as he said it!

They both had a laugh and off they went, inside the Garden, leaving me by myself!

Kathy Lorentzen

Chesaning, Michigan

I met Dougie in 1977, when he was working for George and Mary Ann. We were exactly the same age, both with a strong passion for the dogs and the sport. We hit it off, and we had a lifelong friendship. Doug and his dad taught me the right way to do a Bouvier coat, which I believe today is nearly a lost art. 

When Dougie retired from handling (the second time!), I bought his Sprinter. When I flew out to drive it home, I was surprised to find that their house was filled with elephant art. Photos, paintings, statues, they were everywhere. I had never known that he had a thing about elephants. I came to find out that he regretted never being able to go to Africa to see them in the wild.

About 15 years ago I started going to Africa on photo safaris, and I would always send him many photos and videos of my elephant encounters. He loved them. When his health started to fail, I gave him an “adoption” of an orphaned baby elephant at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Every month he got updates and photos of “his elephant.” Her name is Rokka. He was so tickled for this connection to his beloved elephants. I renewed the adoption every year at Christmas. And now I will continue to renew it in his memory. 

Nancy Troyer

Mora, Minnesota

I was just talking about Doug last week and hadn't heard he had died. What a loss to the Pug world and the dog community in general. Back when Mike Penny was still alive and was handling my first show dog, I spent a lot of time with both of them. Most of what I know about Pugs, I learned from them. Doug was a witty man who didn't tolerate fools gladly, and he always made me laugh.

The last time I saw him was probably in 2018 watching my Doberman special in the Working Group. We reminisced about Mike and talked dogs for a bit. I wish our paths had crossed more often. Doug, may the perpetual light of love shine upon you in your eternal rest.

Deborah Edwards

Ocala, Florida

Doug showed my first Flat-Coat special when I lived in New Jersey and evaluated my first Flat-Coat litter.  He was one of those people you will never forget. He was extremely knowledgeable, extremely loyal to his friends and family and just fun to be around. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and feel lucky to have known him.  I wish his family peace! See you when I cross the Rainbow Bridge, Doug!